The New York Times (7/25, A12, Lorber) reported that “an expert panel reported on Friday that two more diseases may be linked to exposure to Agent Orange, a defoliant used by the American military during the Vietnam War.” Individuals “exposed to the chemical appear, at least tentatively, to be more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease and ischemic heart disease, according to the report,” which “was written by a 14-member committee charged by the Institute of Medicine with determining whether certain medical conditions were caused by exposure to herbicides used to clear stretches of jungle.” The AP (7/25) reported that, “to determine whether Vietnam veterans faced an increased chance of ischemic heart disease…researchers reviewed several studies that showed links between higher exposure levels and greater incidence of the disease.” Meanwhile, “the conclusion on Parkinson’s was based on a review of 16 studies that looked at herbicide exposures among people with the disease or Parkinson’s-like symptoms. Bloomberg News (7/25, Waters) reported that “previous institute reviews have found five other illnesses, including skin and blood cancers, that have been strongly linked to the defoliant. Twelve other conditions ranging from diabetes to prostate cancer are considered to have possible ties.” Reuters (7/25) and HealthDay (7/24, Gardner) also covered the story.
Expert panel says Agent Orange exposure may be linked to Parkinson’s, ischemic heart disease.
July 27, 2009 by abrandemihl
Or, perhaps teratogenic exposure to Agent Orange “causes” ADHD, and the lifelong pharmacological effects of the drugs used to treat ADHD result in a higher incidence of Parkinson’s and coronary ischemias within affected populations…